Ariel Hernandez is the owner and director of Fusion Fitness Pilates and Personal Training in Lake Mary, FL. With experience in dance and gymnastics and more than 10 years tenure as a Master Pilates Teacher, Hernandez has expanded his training methods to include rehabilitation and fitness trends. His certifications include step, stick, yoga, spinning, powerflex, power pump, jump rope, box board, kickboxing, funk, hip hop, strip aerobics, body sculpting and interval training. Hernandez has been a Master Teacher for PHI Pilates for more than seven years.

This is, with out a doubt, one of my favorite and most challenging exercises. The major focus is upper-body stability, coupled with core strengthen and the challenge of keeping the spinal and pelvis in neutral, making for an advanced exercise.

by Ariel Hernandez Achieving the correct position in tabletop while seated on the Spine Corrector is not as easy as it looks. It requires body awareness, control, stability, strength and coordination—pretty much all the Pilates principles. To set up, make sure the Spine Corrector is on a stable, non-slip surface. Sit on the instep of [...]

by Ariel Hernandez I like to write about my favorite moves and one of them is the Side Plank done on the Reformer. When done correctly, it enhances upper- and lower-body strength, alignment and stability. (To perform this exercise safely, please make sure to check out my previous blogs on how to wrap the rib [...]

by Ariel Hernandez I’m receiving a lot of questions from all of you readers, including this one: How can I help my clients with balance and body awareness? I begin by teaching my clients the importance of balance and body awareness, especially as we age. You must have both to achieve true strength. One of [...]

by Ariel Hernandez What’s your favorite piece of Pilates equipment? I receive this question a lot. I have to say that I love everything about Pilates, including the various equipment, but when I’m asked which piece a client should buy first, I always recommend the foam roller. It’s inexpensive and so incredibly versatile. So in [...]

A big question I commonly get from students and teachers alike: What kind of Pilates equipment do I have in my home studio? Well, I actually have several pieces, but one of my favorites is the Arc. It’s lightweight, portable, versatile and inexpensive. I believe it’s a must-have piece for any studio.

My favorite move on the Arc?

Anyone who has done Pilates has some favorite (and “unfavorite”) exercises. An instructor can tell what turns clients on—they emit excited murmurs and get into position quickly; and what turns them off—those resigned sighs and hesitation. At my studio, Leg Circles are a favorite move. Most of my clients love to do them and say they feel good on their back, legs and hips.